Ranieri ‘back home’ as Roma head coach

Claudio Ranieri has been appointed Roma manager until the end of the season.

Ranieri, 67, was sacked by Fulham eight days ago after winning three of his 17 games in charge of the club.

But the AS Roma fan – who managed the club between 2009 and 2011 – has been handed a quick return to management, replacing Eusebio di Francesco.

“I’m delighted to be coming back home,” Ranieri said on Friday. “When Roma call you, it’s impossible to say no.”

Di Francesco was sacked on Wednesday after losing 4-3 on aggregate to Porto in the Champions League last 16.

AS Roma sporting director Monchi also left the club earlier on Friday.

Claudio Ranieri took over at Fulham last November after the sacking of Slavisa Jokanovic and beat Southampton 3-2 in his first game, but 11 defeats followed including an FA Cup third-round exit at home to League Two side Oldham. Ranieri left the Cottagers after just 106 days with the club 19th in the Premier League, 10 points from safety with 10 games left.